Hi Gary,  I can't believe it's been three years already since your passing.  A day doesn't go by without my thinking of you.  I think about how many more memories we could of had together during your visits to Maine.  Pauline and I truly enjoyed the time we spent talking and laughing about various topics.  Or even your phone calls from Glendale to wish us a happy birthday without ever forgetting.  As much as we both miss you we take comfort knowing you are in a better place.  You will always be remembered and loved.   Miss you brother!
John and Pauline

Thinking of you!! I MISS YOU! It’s crazy that you’re  not here with us anymore. Still shocking. I think of you often. I know your in a much better place now with our Heavenly Father and mom and dad but I wish you were still here! Until we see each other again my brother. I miss you and love you very much!! 

Happy Father's day dad  miss and love u so much 


I have struggled to put into words just how special and important my Uncle was to everyone in his life. Selfless, kind, loving, accepting,  honorable, hilarious and handsome are just a few of the traits my Uncle possessed. He showed us how to be a genuine person without being boastful, he showed what it was to be an amazing parent and how to be humble. I remember so many special times while growing up around him, his humor, his laugh, his ability to make anything beautiful! There are several things I will remeber about him, but my most cherished memory of him is when I was preparing for my deployment to Iraq. We all got together so I could say goodbye and we had a little party. Uncle Gary came up to me and slipped a St. Christopher medallion into my hand and said, "This will keep you safe, keep it with you." I carried that medallion for 18 months, had a few close calls, but that medallion kept me safe and I came home. It still sits in my wallet to protect me and I'll always remember who it came from. He will be missed more than words can ever describe, but Heaven truly gained an earthly angel. You are loved deeply and will be missed by every person you touched! 
Love your oldest Niece and family
Angela, Jeremy, Madison, Maverick, Mackenzie, and McKinnley!

We have known Gary since he started with Heritage as a young man. We could rely on his first Saturday morning visits. He was not only a professional, but a friend. He told us about his kids adventures when they were young and many stories as they grew up, married, and had children. I felt like I knew them! He loved his trips to Maine. He always had interesting conversation, usually funny. He was very easy to talk with and we welcomed him on those Saturdays. First Saturdays will never be the same. I am still in disbelief. My condolences to Gary's family.  He will be sorely missed. 

Nearly every childhood memory of mine includes Gary, my mom and the 6 of us kids. We went on many adventures growing up, that I credit my continued love for the woods and creeks to. Camping, hiking, staining all of the beach towels from picking fresh berries at the creek, sliding down slide rock, sleep overs and many many more. 
Gary was such a amazing father to his children, was a wonderful father figure to my bother and I and a best friend to my mom through all these years. I cannot Express the love that I have for Gary and our "Brady Bunch". You will be dearly missed Gary, love you forever. You will always hold a special place in all of our hearts

Uncle Gary,

When I was putting on my jeans this morning, I thought of a memory of you. When I was a sophomore in high school, you came over and you gave me a pair of jeans. You said that they had been your favorite jeans for a long time. I remember to this day the brand, they were Lucky blue jeans. I remember because those jeans became my lucky jeans; years later when I was a senior I got ran over by a truck, I was being a foolish teenager when it happened, so no one ever really knew the real story. Years later after that accident  (I was an adult) I told you the story. I told you that I was wearing the jeans you gave me when the accident happened, and you remembered the exact jeans I was talking about. You told me that those jeans were your lucky jeans and that it seems the luck passed on to me. Then, in typical Uncle Gary fashion, you added, "...so technically, I saved your life." Uncle Gary, you did. A lot of my fondest memories include you. I love you so much and you will be forever missed. 

We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
Gary was one of the best people we knew.  He was always smiling and able to stay a while.  If I was baking he always managed to eat a few while I packed some up for his day.  And talk, man he loved to talk.  Mostly about his siblings, his kids and the grandkids.  He loved all of you so very much.  Always remember that.
We are sorry we cannot attend his funeral, but health problems will keep us away.

Gary.... Dad, as I called you. 
Met you when I met my Sister from another Mister, Jessica, 21 years ago.   You were always so welcoming and inviting.  Thank you for the note, excusing Jessica from school.  Oddly enough the same day my mom wrote me a note so we could play hookie at your house and eat junk food while playing MTV Jams and watching 106 & Park.  Oops....Let that cat out of the bag.  Hahaha.  Well, I guess I can tell you now.   We made sure that the house was clean when you got back though, right?   My mom was  so jealous that your house was ALWAYS spotless.   I would say "Well mom, you messed up.   You only had two of us.  He had four and keeps 'em in check."   Seriously though.   You were one of the greatest father figures I knew growing up.  You were kind but stern, hard but a softie,  you taught your kids love, responsibility, courage, strength and selflessness... among a million other things.   And you did it on your own.  You raised my best friend and she is one of the strongest people I know.  Thank you.  
My promise to you is that she won't ever be alone...Ill be with her for every adventure life brings,  good or bad.  We know you'll be smiling down on all the good ones.  Missed isn't strong enough of a word.  See ya soon,  but not too soon...Jess and I have more songs to sing together.  Keep that big ol' garden in check up there.  😘      
Love ya Dad....Nitra    

Uncle Gary, 
I just keep thinking of the last conversation you, Bobby and I had. You were cracking jokes, talking crap, and had your shirt off so the nurses would see how hot you were. You welcomed us with open arms the first time we met you! Then the once a week fb messenger wave or gif, just to say hi. I will miss those! I will miss you!!! Rest in Paridise Uncle Gary! We love you! 

Gary became our friend over the years.  At Christmas time, I bake a lot, and he loved the sweet rolls and meat-filled rolls I make, so they were our gift to him each year.  He was always friendly, caring, and helpful.  He will be missed.

Gary was a wonderful individual, father, employee and member of our community.   There is no doubt that he will be greatly missed by many.  The care he put into his work was shown so deeply by his unforgettable interaction with his customers.    Gary was not only our pest guy but he was a friend.   He serviced our home since 1994 and through the years followed my up and down with health issues.   I looked forward to his service calls as he always had a smile and happy face.  He was always a great example of professionalism.   I am greatly shocked and saddened to hear of Gary’s passing.   I and my wife will  miss his talent in brightening our day.   Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they maneuver through these difficult times.  We already know he was warmly welcomed by all those before us.   Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kirschbaum

Gary,
There are so many wonderful times & memories that come to my mind. Growing up in Lewiston, Maine and living on Lafayette Street is where it starts for me. All the fun things we did together. During the warmer months we did things like. Going strawberry, blueberry, raspberry and blackberry picking in the nearby fields. Polliwog fishing in the ditch. Playing with praying mantises and caterpillars. Catching fireflies or butterflies. Building forts in the woods and climbing trees. Playing out and the “Rocks” with our neighborhood friends, Hide & Seek. We rode our bikes or walked down to the corner store “Robert’s” for penny candy. In the summer, Dad & Mom would treat us kids to an Ice Cream Cone dipped with our favorite topping at the “The Dairy Joy.”  Everybody knew Gary, who your neighborhood crush was. (Lol) “Lisa Turcotte.” Once winter came rolling around. We would go sledding, tobogganing, we even did some skating. We built snow forts. Then when the snow storms hit and we were stuck inside. We played board games or made up our own fun. The best thing about snowstorms was, “Listening to the Radio,” to hear if school would be cancelled. Some of the places Dad & Mom took us to. Just to name a few. Santa’s Village, Six Gun City, Naples, Me. Old Orchard Beach, New Hampshire, New York, plus all the beaches and lakes. We had a pretty good childhood growing up!! Gary, you were always happy. These are just some of the wonderful times & memories I have of you. I will always, cherish them all and hold them dear to my heart until we see each other again. I love you!!
Your sister,
Debbie ❤️

 Words cannot express how much I miss you Uncle G. You were such a great Uncle. You were always there to keep things light hearted and fun no matter how difficult life got. I appreciate you always taking the time to school me on my life choices and sharing your old school wisdom. Your selfless, hardworking character is something I always admired about you. You were one of the real ones. I wish I could hear you say "Hey Nick, it's your Uncle G!" Just one more time! I love you so much and I will miss you dearly. 

Gary was truly a wonderful person.  He was taken far too early from this world.  I will miss our chats all the way from Maine to Arizona.  He will always be in my thoughts and heart.    
Rest well and God Bless
Kathy

I am so sad to hear this news.  Gary has been a visit to my home for 16 years (Heritage Pest Control), Keeping us safe.  I enjoyed every time we would stand in the kitchen and share our family news, travel adventures, etc.  I can't believe I don't get to see him standing there again.  Rest in Peace you dear person, taken away too early.  Love and prayers to the family, his family at Heritage to get through the grief of losing some so special.

Love you Gary
Jeanine, Sean and Cameron Pyles...Max and Lulu too

We have had Gary every Saturday for 20 plus years.  We loved talking about our kids and Grandchildren and just talking. I will really miss him,  still can't believe it's true.  Rest in peace
     Rick @ Cindy Peel 


Gary when I started dating your brother I was attending cosmetology school and the year was 1976.  You were 15 years old and  you thought how cool it would be if I gave you an Afro hairstyle.   So that evening I began putting a countless amount of small perm rods in your full thick head of hair.   Along the way I had to reassure you that it would not be permanent.   Immediately after finishing you grabbed a hand held mirror, took one look at your hair and you were off running to the sink to wash it all out.   Your family barely got a chance to see the end product.   Wish we would of had the opportunity to take a picture.  I have been part of the family now for 44 years and even though most of that time we have been almost 3000 miles apart we have always stayed close and shared in each other's lives.   Whether we were visiting AZ or your coming to ME.  On one of your Maine summer vacations  we spent a glorious day at Sebago Lake cruising on the boat.   Without hesitation you decided to take a run at riding Big Bertha (large tube).  You hung on like a bull rider taking on each wake until finally you were thrown off.   We also spent a lot of time on the phone.   Just a few years ago our conversation literally lasted all night.  We would each say we had to go but then another subject came up and before I knew it, the sun was rising.  Over the years we have shared many events, stories , lots of fun and  laughter and friendly banter over politics.  As anyone who has had the pleasure of knowing you can attest you were an amazing man and your children were blessed to have such a wonderful, caring and thoughtful father.  Although your physical presence  is no longer with us you will always remain in our thoughts and hearts .

Love You, your sister-in-law

Gary you were one of the good guys if not the best. We really enjoyed your visits back here in Maine. We shall miss you. You will live in our hearts as long as we live.I am still trying to decide which one of us is better looking, no question you. Rest in peace our wonderful nephew,GARY. Love Aunt Pat & Uncle Ray and Family.

Gary God bless you. When you were born you were always smiling.
You were a very happy child. As a grown-up you were always helping others. Rest in Peace,much love Aunt Claudette and cousins 
Diane,Carol,Kathy and Linda.

Not only are you my brother by marriage, You were one of my closest friends. Many times you talked me through, and you are missed. I could always speak to you about everything. (no judgement) always supportive and uplifting. I miss you already and will for the rest of my days. Many times when we checked on each other, you were the rock. I appreciated that, every time. Three years ago you made my birthday special!I really wish you were here for this one! I'm gonna miss your joking nature. Your Strength as a man. You were an incredible Father, Friend and brother! I hope the angels you're sharing Heaven with have a sense of humor, they are gonna need it! I will love and cherish the time we had, always! With all my heart I hope you have found peace and happiness. Till we meet again, I love you.

My dad always had Christmas Eve at his house

What do you say for a man that has been such an integral part of your company as well as your life... I guess Thank You would be a 
small start ! Gary was not just an employee at Heritage, he was a big part in making it what is  today. After thirty -four years of service it is no wonder. He was not just someone who worked here, he was as much a part of our family as he was to his own. Gary represented the company in the same way he did himself, with compassion, dignity, courtesy as well as professionalism. Simply put he was  kind and goodhearted and we are all the better for knowing him. We consider ourselves fortunate that we were able to share our lives with Gary and he with us. 
With utmost regards

My brother Gary and I had a great relationship. We did so many things together it's hard to recall them all starting from a young age to recent times. We always had alot of fun together, whether we were out partying, going to the lake, the movies, out to eat, or simply staying at home having dinner and watching a movie together. These last seven years we grew real close helping our mother. Gary has always been there for me in good times or bad, he was a special man and a great brother to me. I will deeply miss him with all my heart. But his memory will always live on within me. I love you bro.

Have known Gary for 28 years as our representative for Heritage.  We shared many stories of our families, as our children were of similar ages, and we compared notes on child-rearing.   The family should be proud to know how much he loved all of you....especially his children, and then his grandkids.  I can't imagine the pain and loss you all feel.....it has to be so much worse than my loss of this friend.  I will miss his monthly visits, our talks,  his great personality, and the big heart he showed caring for all of you.   Hopefully he will be able to do all those things he planned for in retirement,  only now in the company of the angels up there waiting for him.   Party on, Gary!               Doris & Bill Felcyn

Uncle Gary,  I don't even know where to begin! You were such a great man and a fabulous father.  I will cherish all the memories That we share.  From when we went camping To all of the family holidays at your home. The best memory of all  Is when you hosted my high school graduation party at your home. Man did you know how to have a party!  Last but not least I will always cherish the last conversation I had with you! I love you and will miss you dearly!

Gary was just a wonderful man. He was kind, considerate and talkative.  He was a joy to be around. Gary soon became a friend after 20+ years.  He was knowledgeable in his field .  We talked about our families and he eventually visited the homes of my children after they had grown and bought homes.  We all really liked him because he was just a nice guy. I always teased him about how young he looked and he never really changed through all these years. So this was a terrible shock for him to go . He was responsible and reliable.  We are all really going to miss him.  He was taken way too soon from us.  

So many memories.  I still remember the day we met.   Ryan, Nicole and I shared so many good times  and memories with you and Jesse, Christina, Alan and Jessica.  From the camping trips at Fort Tuthill, fishing at Bear lake,  many adventures to sites in Northern Arizona, Montezuma Castle, Meteor Crater, endless trips to Slide Rock and Grasshopper Point, hiking Walnut Canyon.   Then to Southern AZ,   Tomestone and  Bisbee for a Mineshaft tour.   Packing up P&J sandwiches and hiking at the White Tanks, the sleep overs, you and the boy and the girls and I, Glendale 9 drive in.  The list goes on.  We did manage to find time to get out on our own adventures.  One year for your birthday to Prescott to Whisky Row, dancing at Grahams, (I’m a Little Bit and you’re a Little Bit Rock N Roll.), the Hayloft.  Even sang karaoke once with Debbie and Eric at Pfister’s Pfaucet, Friends in Low Places.   You were loved and will be missed by many.   I am so glad for the time we had together and will hold the memories forever in my heart.  Love you always. 

Once again I hope this is not copying twice.  The ultimate answer
to Covid-19!

I believe this was the last 6 pack picture taken.

Gary this seems all surreal. I have been praying for you, your children, and family.  Kevin and I are saddened by your departure. 

The world lost another great man, but heaven gained a faithful servant. 
It seems all great men wear polo work shirts, blue jeans, and work boots. 
Gary, it has been an honor to have crossed paths. 
It is at this moment, I’m noticing some similarities between you and Bob (my dad); two great wholehearted and selfless men.
The love you poured out in selfless effort to try to provide great memories, and gatherings for your children, your mother and friends have not gone unnoticed. 
You might have tried to appear like a stubborn bear, but your actions and heart overwhelmingly proved the great man (teddy bear) within.
Sadly, like my dad, you have left too soon. However, you left us all witness to an example that even God can be proud of. 
As your life is celebrated in these days, I can only guess we are all thankful for our seasons with you. 
My humble guess is God and your parents have welcomed you to heavenly peace and began by saying, well done my son. 

 

My best memories of our dad are when we would go up north to go camping because he worked so hard to make it perfect.  Perfect it was. This man is one of the most selfless people I’ve known.  He sacrificed his entire life for us.  He would spend his time to make sure we did well in school.  When I was in 3rd grade, I read 137 books that year because he would hold me to reading every night.  He did these types of things as a single parent.  RIP dad. 

I am so saddened by the loss of Gary.  I’ve know Gary for 28 years.  We had a deeper connection in that we were both from Maine.  I was originally from Biddeford and we used to share stories after our Maine visits.  He always mentioned going to Scarborough to see his kids and we talked about all the seafood restaurants in Pine Point.   He looked forward to those trips!
He also met my mother while she lived with me.  She was very fond of Gary and looked forward to his monthly visits.  She’d always say “ Gary will be here on Thursday!”  My father passed away at the age of 59, so I know how much it hurts to lose your father at this young age and so suddenly.
Gary used to always joke with me when he had his Birthday in March (mine is in February) that I would always be older than him by 2 years!
After all these years, he was like a younger brother, sharing how he cared for his mother and brother, and many times placing their needs above his.
He is a good soul and it is has brought deep sadness to my heart.  Unfortunately,  l am helping a friend drive to Florida on Wednesday,  so I am remiss that I won’t get the opportunity to say my good bye and to meet his family.  My condolences to his family and also his extended family at Heritage Services.  I will miss him.



Gary, 
Some of my my fondest memories of you are when we were living in Maine. We had such fun and many adventures in the woods behind our house. The forts we built on the ground and even a couple in the trees. Such fun you had getting into mischief with that BB gun and at my expense sometimes. Lol! You were a great son, brother, father, Pépé and friend to all. There is no question on how well you loved us all. Your actions always showed that! I miss you dearly Gary! I love you brother! Until we see each other again. Rest In Peace! Jim


May the good Lord be with you down every road you roam.
And may sunshine and happiness surround you when you're far from home.
And my you grow to be proud, dignified and true.
And do unto others as you'd have done to you.
Be courageous and be brave.
And in my heart you'll always stay
Forever young
May good fortune be with you, may your guiding light be strong,
Build a stairway to heaven with a prince or a vagabond.
And may you never love in vain.
And in my heart you will remain
Forever young. 
And when you fin'lly fly away, I'll be hoping that I served you well.
For all the wisdom of a lifetime, no one can ever tell.
But whatever road you choose, I'm right behind you win or lose. 
Forever young. Forever young. 
 
 Song by: Bob Dylan, Jim Cregan, Kevin Savigard & Rod Stewart 

Gary,

You were my brother, we pretty much grew up together.  So many wonderful memories from all the way back to high school, to being neighbors and all the fun we had with our kids growing up together to all of the holidays, birthdays and other special occasions we got to share.   Those are all the times I cherish and hold dear.  You will always be remembered as a wonderful man, father, brother and friend.  I will miss you so very much but will hold on to those wonderful memories until we meet again.  Love you, Tina

Gary you will be dearly missed but will never be forgotten.  I will always cherish my memories of us growing up on Lafayette Street in Lewiston Maine.  Being the fourth born out of six children wasn't always easy for you especially with two older brothers.  No matter you showed tenacity and played hard like the rest of us.   Like the time we were sledding in the field out back of the house.  We collided and your two front top teeth were knocked out.  Or when we would climbed trees so high we were afraid to come down.  Then there was the time you set the field on fire.  Oh boy!  We knew you were in deep trouble.  Those were the good old days when we created our own fun times and mischief. 
Pauline  loved you like a brother and a good friend .  We will miss your visits to Maine and the times we shared while you were here.  You always took the time every year to call us on our birthdays.  Thank you for that and thank you for being there for our mother and all the many, many things you did selflessly for her.  Your were a great man, a great brother, and a super Dad to your children and a fun loving, playful grandfather to all your grandchildren.  You'll be missed by many, but you will live on through your children, grandchildren and your brothers and sister.    Until we meet again Gary, rest in peace.   Love You

Don't think of him as gone away
his journey's just begun,
life holds so many facets
the earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched. . . 
for nothing loved is ever lost
and he was loved so very much.

                                                                                      by: Ellen Brenneman

My memory of my dad was he was the best man and father anyone could ask  for miss him and love him so much 



OBITUARY

Gary Alan Joseph Charette

March 10, 1961 – June 9, 2020

Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary

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